Checklist of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy—it is one of the most overwhelming events in a woman’s life. At this stage, the body undergo various changes. Aside from the weight gain and hormonal imbalances, one thing that you have to deal with is the weird food cravings that are strongest at this stage.

The hardest part is, it is also during this time that you should learn to choose what you eat correctly. After all, you are no longer just for eating for yourself—you are now eating for your baby too. With that in mind, you should familiarize yourself with some of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Here are some of them:

1

Seafood high in Mercury

Yes, seafood is a great source of protein and the omega fatty acids that these contain can aid in the development of your baby’s brain and eyes. However, some fishes and shellfishes contain high amounts of mercury which can be harmful to the development of your baby’s nervous system. Some of the seafood to avoid include sharks, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel.

2

Alcoholic Drinks

According to studies, any amount of alcohol can be dangerous to your developing baby. This is because alcohol can enter the placenta and can interfere with the development of your baby. In addition to that, you also need to shy away from alcohol while you are breastfeeding.

3

Undercooked Eggs and Meat

We know how juicy and delicious rarely done steaks can be, but these are a big no- no if you are pregnant. This is because eating them exposes you to possible food poisoning as undercooked meat and eggs may contain bacteria like Salmonella and Toxoplasmosis which may lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

4

Deli Meat

It has been noted that deli meats may contain listeria. According to studies, this may cause miscarriage because of its ability to cross the placenta. Once it does, it may either lead to blood poisoning or infection, both of which are life threatening to your baby. If you need to eat deli meats, it is recommended that you re-heat the meat to kill off the bacteria.

5

Soft Cheeses

Just like deli meats, soft cheeses may also contain listeria because most of these are made using unpasteurized milk. Some of the cheeses that you should avoid are Mexican-style cheeses, brie, feta, and Roquefort.

6

Caffeinated Drinks

Since caffeine is diuretic, it can eliminate body fluids which may result in calcium and water loss. Because of this, you may be at risk of miscarriage. It may also lead to low birth weight or premature birth.

7

Foods Rich in Nitrates

Cured meats like sausages, bacon, and hot dogs contain a high amount of nitrates that has been linked to diabetes and brain tumors. While these assumptions are still inconclusive, it would be wise for you to stay away from them since these are not nutritious foods.

1

Seafood high in Mercury

Yes, seafood is a great source of protein and the omega fatty acids that these contain can aid in the development of your baby’s brain and eyes. However, some fishes and shellfishes contain high amounts of mercury which can be harmful to the development of your baby’s nervous system. Some of the seafood to avoid include sharks, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel.

2

Alcoholic Drinks

According to studies, any amount of alcohol can be dangerous to your developing baby. This is because alcohol can enter the placenta and can interfere with the development of your baby. In addition to that, you also need to shy away from alcohol while you are breastfeeding.

3

Undercooked Eggs and Meat

We know how juicy and delicious rarely done steaks can be, but these are a big no- no if you are pregnant. This is because eating them exposes you to possible food poisoning as undercooked meat and eggs may contain bacteria like Salmonella and Toxoplasmosis which may lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

4

Deli Meat

It has been noted that deli meats may contain listeria. According to studies, this may cause miscarriage because of its ability to cross the placenta. Once it does, it may either lead to blood poisoning or infection, both of which are life threatening to your baby. If you need to eat deli meats, it is recommended that you re-heat the meat to kill off the bacteria.

5

Soft Cheeses

Just like deli meats, soft cheeses may also contain listeria because most of these are made using unpasteurized milk. Some of the cheeses that you should avoid are Mexican-style cheeses, brie, feta, and Roquefort.

6

Caffeinated Drinks

Since caffeine is diuretic, it can eliminate body fluids which may result in calcium and water loss. Because of this, you may be at risk of miscarriage. It may also lead to low birth weight or premature birth.

7

Foods Rich in Nitrates

Cured meats like sausages, bacon, and hot dogs contain a high amount of nitrates that has been linked to diabetes and brain tumors. While these assumptions are still inconclusive, it would be wise for you to stay away from them since these are not nutritious foods.

Shy away from these foods to avoid during pregnancy and rest assured; you will have a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery as well!

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